And the statistics back him up with the muscular left-armer having claimed Sehwag's wicket nine times from 18 games.

"I don't mind bowling up into his rib-cage to be honest," Johnson told Australian media.

"He seems to struggle with that a bit. It's always a good challenge to bowl to someone like that, he doesn't really use his feet but he can hit the ball hard. It will be a pretty good start to the game if we can get him early."

Australia are also aware that opening batsman Sehwag has hit every first ball he has faced at the World Cup for a four, something that has not escaped the champions' notice.

"In the bowlers' meeting I asked the question how many times he has scored four from the first ball. He likes to get scoring quickly," said Johnson.

"He's a dangerous player and we'll be looking to get him as quickly as we can. We'll stick to our plans and stick to what we know best of what works against him."